Russian star Alexander Povetkin (17-0, 12 KOs) will fight for the IBF Interim Heavyweight Championship, the IBF has confirmed. “That is great news for Alexander,” Sauerland Event General Manager Chris Meyer said. “He has been waiting for his title shot for such a long time. We are very happy that the IBF grants Alexander this chance.”

The 30-year-old Olympic gold medal winner has been waiting for his IBF title shot ever since beating Eddie Chambers, who is now the WBO mandatory challenger, in an elimination tournament in January 2008. A first showdown with IBF champ Wladimir Klitschko failed to materialise in December 2008 when Povetkin injured his ankle in practice. The IBF ordered Klitschko to defend his title against Povetkin before September 13, 2009. However, the Ukrainian champion opted to fight Ruslan Chagaev in June 2009 instead. He needed to undergo shoulder surgery afterwards and has been declared unfit to fight until the end of 2009. Since Klitschko´s latest injury significantly extends Povetkin´s waiting time yet again, the IBF ordered an interim title fight. “Finally, the waiting is over for Povetkin,” Meyer added. “He gets what he deserves – a world title fight in the near future. We are all tired of waiting for Klitschko.”

If Eddie Chambers does not want to fight Povetkin for the IBF Interim Title, Samuel Peter would be the next in line. “We are waiting to see who the opponent will be,” Meyer added. “We will then work out the date and the venue as soon as possible.”

The title shot means that Povetkin will not take a tune-up fight in Baltimore on October 16.